Happy shopping! The best independent boutiques in Ireland

Nothing makes a fashion heart flutter like a great independent boutique full of original pieces.

Every boutique that endures does so thanks to the imagination, tenacity, and vision of their owners and this time of year is the ideal time to explore independent boutiques.

Here we celebrate Ireland’s top boutiques where you will find special pieces full of flair.

Jenny Vander, 50 Drury St, Dublin 2

Jenny Vander celebrates 50 years in business this year as Dublin’s oldest and most loved vintage shop which offers beautiful cocktail dresses, gorgeous costume jewellery and unique one of a kind vintage. Gail Kinsella is the third owner and describes the shop as a ‘labour of love’, she personally selects every item and ensures that stock is pristine and repaired.

Great value finds include Fifties jackets from €75 and dresses from €65. Famous clients include Florence Welch, Yasmin LeBon, Holly Johnson, and Naomi Campbell. www.instagram.com/jennyvandervintage

Emporium Kalu, 16 South Main Street, Naas East, Co. Kildare

Louise Flanagan and Kate O’Dwyer started Emporium Kalu over 20 years ago and it has earned a name for ethereal fashions with a romantic, bohemian vibe. Labels include Vivienne Westwood, Rohe The Landskein, Wandler bags and an edit of covetable cashmere from Lisa Yang, Mister Mittens, Sphere One and Ros Duke. Kalu excels at special occasion dressing with a creative spin. www.emporiumkalu.com

Folkster, 11 South William Street, Dublin 2 and 27 Patrick Street, Kilkenny

Stylist Blanaid Hennessy opened her first shop in Kilkenny in 2008 and this year launched a second in Dublin city centre.

Folkster is known as ‘a bohemian treasure trove’ which sells fashion, homewares and their in-house designed bridal wear and occasion wear. The brand has been worn by Angela Scanlon, Amy Huberman, Vogue Williams, and Jennifer Zamparelli. www.folkster.com

AMO & PAX, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow

The latest project of Amanda Pratt, previously of Avoca, AMO & PAX is based in the former Avoca head office where she worked for 20 years. It is a small shop with a big heart that aims to ‘create a different sort of retail experience, more holistic, one with purpose’.

Stocking beautifully made Irish linen and Liberty print shirts, quirky homewares and an eclectic election of books, this charming shop focuses on sustainability and artisan producers. www.amoandpax.com

Jennifer Slattery, 74 Benburb Street, Dublin 7t

Based in a Victorian building that was once an old butcher’s shop, Jennifer Slattery’s emporium sells her exquisite embroidered Irish linen textiles and timeless linen clothing.

It also features an open studio where you can see the tableware being embroidered on site. Jennifer’s work is a celebration of ‘the everyday heirloom’ and her designs made with beautiful quality fabrics, promise a lifetime of use. www.jenniferslattery.com

Juju, La Touche Place, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

Nested in the village of Greystones, Juliet Ledwidge’s Juju is a stylish lifestyle store stocking Irish and international labels that focuses on enduring style. In 2014, the shop won the Irish Times Best Boutique in Ireland award and since launching in 2004, is known as a must-see destination.

The stock is both beautiful and unusual with a low-key yet luxurious aesthetic. Brands include Vince, James Perse and Joseph as wells a Apuntob, Hache, Pas de Calais, and Studio Nicholson.

It also carries knitwear by Sphere One, Sian Jacobs, Johnstons of Elgin, Brodie, Jumper 1234, Colorush and Soft Goat. Investment dressing, but worth it. www.juju.ie

Rococo, Glasthule Road, Sandycove. Co. Dublin

Roxanne Allen of Rococo says her boutique ‘strives to stock quality, sustainable, and passionately designed clothes’. The shop bursts with colour and print and puts an emphasis on ‘artistic expression’ that celebrates adventurous personal style.

Roxanne says, ‘We love curating artistic, inspiring, beautifully made collections. We work mostly with small, independent suppliers. We are not fast fashion!’ Brands stocked include Absolut Cashmere, Coster Copenhagen, Farm Rio, One Hundred Stars and Transit. www.rococo.ie

Fabiani, 19-20 Main Street, Longford

Established in 2010 Fabiani carries an edit of over 30 established and contemporary labels including Isabel Marant Etoile, Anine Bing, Ganni, Lisa Yang cashmere, Yves Salomon, Ba&sh, Jerome Dreyfuss, Paige, Citizens of Humanity, Agolde, Autry and Veja. This exclusive lifestyle store and cafe, also offers services including a yoga studio, beauty space (with a brow bar) and coffee bar. Open 7 days a week under the stewardship of Louise Brennan, it has put Longford on the map for fashion. www.fabiani.ie

Costume, 10/11 Castle Market, Dublin 2

Founded by the Tucker sisters Anne and Tracy in 1997 with their mother Billie, Costume celebrates 27 years in business in 2024. A fashion landmark in the heart of Dublin’s creative quarter in Castle Market, it is known for its cool French brands.

Since opening, it has evolved into one of Ireland’s leading boutiques, with a pioneering spirit that has seen it bring exciting brands to Ireland. The edit of covetable designers includes Cinq à Sept, Loretta Caponi, Saloni, Soeur, Stella Forest, Yves Salomon, and Zadig & Voltaire. www.costumedublin.ie

Gallery9, Sallins Road West, Naas, Co. Kildare

Established in 2013, Gallery 9 was founded by Niamh McCoy, whose background in interior architecture influences both the store and her collections. The boutique boasts a collection of innovative brands which combine a dynamic silhouette with design quality and wearability.

Labels stocked include Allude cashmere, Anine Bing, By Malene Birger, Citizens of Humanity, Essential Antwerp, Harris Wharf, Simkhai, Paige, Self Portrait, Stine Goya, Stella Nova, and Victoria Beckham. Niamh has an impeccable eye and great taste. wwwgallery9.ie

Envoy of Belfast, 4 Wellington Street, Belfast Co Antrim

Envoy of Belfast was started in 2007 by Ruth Spence and her sister Joanna McCreery as ‘a space for products selected with care, chosen for their excellent and distinctive quality of design, fabric, craftsmanship and coherent narrative’.

Envoy features contemporary and vintage Japanese pieces, alongside garments from UK and international brands. Pieces by Casey Casey, Paul Harnden, Kapital and Sophie D’Hoore sit next to cashmere dresses by Daniela Gregis and coats by Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garcons and Ricorrrobe. All stock feels fashion forward but timeless. www.envoyofbelfast.com

Havana, 2 Anglesea House, Donnybrook Road, Dublin 4

Situated just off the main street in Donnybrook village, Havana opened its doors in 1994, quickly establishing itself as the go-to destination for contemporary design. Owner Nikki Creedon is an Irish fashion veteran and an inspiration showing that real style is truly ageless.

Cool brands with a conceptual twist include Castanea, the Landskein, Golden Goose, Rick Owens, Simone Rocha, and Ulla Johnson. Celebrating its 30^th Birthday this year, Havana knows that the recipe for success is providing something different and desirable. www.havanaboutique.ie

Khan, 15 Rock Hill, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, T: 01 2781646

Khan celebrated 30 years trading this November. The boutique’s philosophy is to bring the very best of Irish design and international fashion to clients. Helmed by Deryn Mackay, assisted by the long-standing Liz Roice, Khan enjoys a devoted following in Blackrock village.

Deryn says, ‘all our long-standing loyal clientele have been such a wonderful support over the years which has been tremendous.’ Labels are stylish and classic including Paul Smith, Fabiana Filippi, Roisin Linnane, Max Mara, August Night, Aspesi, and Transit. www.khan.ie

Kimono, Bishop Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

Since 2003 Kimono has made women ‘look and feel fabulous’. Established by Ailish Mullane it has earned a reputation as a unique destination with an extensive edit of classic wearable pieces, elevated by a twist.

They have over 1000 items on kimono.ie, across 40 labels including Fabienne Chapot, IBlues, Stine Goya, Essential Antwerp, Herno, Castanea, American Vintage, Coster Copenhagen, Sportmax, Manoush, Stine Goya, Tara Jarmon, High and Celia B. Kimono were Winner of Best Boutique outside Dublin with Image magazine in 2018. www.kimono.ie

Om Diva, 27 Drury Street, Dublin 2

Ruth Ni Loinsigh, the founder of Om Diva which is home to over 50 Irish based designers and makers has a passion for intrepid travel combined with her love for all things colourful and unique. Both inspire her creative shop which is Ireland’s premier show space and studios for established and emerging designers.

Both floors of the Victorian building are filled with unique Irish design pieces, ranging from bespoke clothing to decorative homewares. Om Diva’s goal is to promote locally made products and support creative designers. Names stocked include Laoise Carey, Electronic Sheep, Fauna Kids and Fiona Nugent knitwear. www.omdivaboutique.com

Samui, 17 Drawbridge Street, Cork

Established in 2001 by Clodagh Cronin, Samui is an chic boutique in the heart of Cork city. It offers a curated collection of luxury labels, including Cecilie Bahnsen, Dries Van Noten and Moncler, as well as directional brands, Rick Owens, Sacai, Simone Rocha and Sofie D’Hoore. Clodagh’s keen eye ensures that stock is often unique and always exciting. She says the shop isn’t just about fashion, but also about ‘offering customers the labels and collections that allow them to express themselves and their individuality’. www.samuicork.com

Slow Street, 16 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

Slow Street is a boutique in Blackrock, Dublin, with a focus on stylish and sustainable clothing Established in 2020 by Evelyn Browne who prioritises brands with considered labour practices, production processes and waste and energy management, it stocks separates, dresses, and denim, made from fabric that is organic or recycled and always timeless.

Evelyn says, ‘We don’t do trends; our focus is on timeless comfort and style which our customers come back to us time and time again to enjoy.’ Brands include Armed Angels, Baumont Organics, Colourful Standard, Skall Studio and a selection of shoes, bags, and accessories. www.slowstreet.ie

Susan Hunter, 13 Westbury Mall, Off Grafton Street, Dublin 2

Susan Hunter, established in 1984 (and now celebrating four decades) is a luxury lingerie boutique in Dublin. Natural fabrics, including silk, cotton, cashmere, linen and wool are their hallmarks in a tantalising selection of luxurious nightwear, dressing gowns, pyjamas, camisoles, and French knickers. A full fitting bra service is always available: they stock bra sizes 30″ to 50″, in A to M cup sizes. Brands include Avero, Andres Sarda, Cadolle, Celestine, Clara Rossi, Hanro, Marie Jo and Prima Donna. www.susanhunter.ie

Siopaella, 30 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2

Started in 2011 by Canadian Ella de Guzman, (who noticed there were no re-consignment stores stocking both high street and high end in Dublin), Siopaella is now Ireland’s largest and most trusted reseller of preloved, designer handbags, accessories, and clothing. During Covid, it expanded online operations and their Insta lives have a large following thanks to Ella’s forensic knowledge of luxury bags. All the major luxury brands are sold including, Chanel, Louise Vuitton, Gucci, St Laurent, Hermès, Prada, Céline, and Dior. Ella says, ‘Authenticity lies at the heart of our business. Every designer item we sell is guaranteed authentic and undergoes a rigorous authentication process.’ www.siopaella.com

Les Jumelles, 2, 3 Church Lane, Galway

Named for twin sisters, Mary McSweeney and Margaret Gallagher who founded Les Jumelles in 1997, the store is loved for its edit of luxury brands like Acne Studios, Rick Owens, Yves Salomon, Dorothee Schumacher, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Castanea, Paskal and Golden Goose. With thirty years of experience the siblings remain dedicated to staying ahead of trends attending international fashion weeks to source the most interesting and fashion-forward labels for the West. www.lesjumelles.ie